Last time Osservando covered Como, they were in the midst of recruiting several well renowned, experienced players, including Sergi Roberto and Raphael Varane. Much has changed since then. Now in their second season in Serie A, Como sit seventh, with one of the most exciting squads and managerial projects in Europe.
The Next Big Manager?
As a player, Cesc Fabregas was renowned for his exceptional footballing IQ. He had to be, in order to succeed at clubs such as Arsenal, Chelsea and Barcelona, and to integrate seamlessly into Spain’s dominant national side of the 2010s, where he operated in the newly defined false nine role. However, transferring that intelligence from the pitch to the touchline is no easy feat.
Fabregas has managed this superbly. His preferred 4-2-3-1 system is among the most innovative in Europe. During build-up, both central midfielders drop into the centre-back line as the defenders split wide. This allows the full backs to push high up the pitch, pinning the opposition wingers and forcing the midfield press higher than usual. The result is space between the lines for the attacking midfielder to drop into. Giving Como’s number ten, Nico Paz, that amount of freedom is a risk few opponents can afford. With the full backs already providing width, the wingers are free to move inside and support the striker.
Fabregas’s management of Paz and his tactical tweaks allow Como to play out of pressure superbly well, while speeding up transitions and counter-attacks. Out of possession, Como are something to marvel at. They are one of the most aggressive pressing teams in Europe, sitting in the 99th percentile for pressing. They also top Serie A for PPDA (Passes Per Defensive Action), conceding the fewest passes before winning the ball back. These pressing figures are superb, and Fabregas has clearly instilled in his players the importance of fast build-up and immediate ball retention once possession is lost.
Fabregas focuses on making Como hard to play against without the ball. The team presses high and together, with players reacting quickly as soon as possession is lost. Rather than chasing individually, Como block passing options and force opponents into mistakes, especially out wide. They also keep enough players behind the ball to stop counter-attacks, which allows them to win possession back quickly and attack again. This clear structure helps Como stay aggressive while remaining defensively secure. Fabregas also puts emphasis on his players winning there 1v1 duels, forwards like Assane Diao are constantly running direct at their full backs in a bid to beat them or draw fouls.
All in all, with only two years of experience as a manager at the senior level, Fabregas is already well on his way to cementing himself as the next great manager. With managers like Pep Guardiola’s tenure in its twilight and a number of other managerial roles potentially opening up, Fabregas is undoubtedly one to watch over the next few years, especially with the success he’s having at Como.
Superb Recruitment and The Players
For those outside of Serie A, you may not know some of the superb youngsters in the ranks of Como 1907, most notably, of course, Nico Paz. The Argentine has enjoyed a sensational 2025/26 campaign, registering five goals and five assists in the league. Numbers that place him fifth in the Golden Boot race while also leading Serie A for assists. His influence is further underlined by his 7.86 FotMob rating, the highest of any player in the division this season. A clear reflection of both his consistency and all-round impact. Most importantly, though, my God does he meet the fabled ‘eye test’. He is one of the best footballers to watch in Europe.
Paz’s skill set is ideally suited to Fabregas’s system. He operates comfortably between the lines, showing composure under pressure and an outstanding ability to turn tight situations into attacking momentum. His close control, awareness and weight of pass allow Como to progress quickly through central areas, while his movement into goal-scoring positions adds a decisive edge in the final third. He is not only a creator but also a finisher, capable of arriving late in the box or striking cleanly from range, which explains his strong goal return.
Unsurprisingly, these performances have sharpened interest from elsewhere. Real Madrid, where Paz developed, retain a buy-back clause in his contract and are widely expected to bring him back should his trajectory continue. For now, Como are reaping the rewards of his development, but his form suggests this is a brief stop on the way to the very top.
For all the talk surrounding Nico Paz, Como’s other young attackers have provided plenty of promise in their own right this season. Jayden Addai, the 20‑year‑old Dutch forward, has already scored three goals in Serie A, showing sharp movement and instinct in the final third that has helped Como stretch defences and convert pressure into tangible output. Jesús Rodríguez, also 20, has been a creative spark on the opposite flank, registering four assists in the league, placing him just behind Paz in the assists chart and underlining his ability to unlock tight defences with precise deliveries and vision.
Martin Baturina, the 22‑year‑old Croatian attacker, has chipped in with his first Serie A goal, adding a physical presence and technical sharpness in midfield that allows Como to link play smoothly through him at key moments. Meanwhile Assane Diao, the 20‑year‑old Spaniard, has shown glimpses of his explosive pace and dribbling ability, contributing to Como’s transition game and stretching opposition backlines, even if his numbers this season are still developing.
Together this quartet represents a versatile attacking core for Fabregas, blending direct goal threat, creative ingenuity and tactical adaptability. Addai’s finishing and movement off the ball complement Rodríguez’s vision and supply, while Baturina’s work between midfield and attack helps knit phases together. Diao’s speed and skill on the break add another dimension that keeps defenders honest and gives Como multiple ways to penetrate. Their combined promise is a major reason why Como’s youthful forward unit has not just contributed statistics but also consistently posed problems for Serie A defences throughout the season.
The Investment
One of the key pillars of Como 1907’s ascent has been the strategic investment and ambitious ownership structure that underpins the club’s long‑term project Since being taken over in 2019 by the Djarum Group, led by Indonesian billionaires Robert Budi Hartono and Michael Bambang Hartono, the club has enjoyed financial stability far beyond its history. That backing has helped Como climb from Serie D back to Serie A in 2024 for the first time in 21 years.
The owners are not just writing cheques. They have invested in infrastructure, commercial deals, and projects that give the club a long-term plan. Initiatives like Como Ventures and the Como Cup, a summer tournament for international youth teams, show the club is thinking beyond the pitch. These projects help young players develop, strengthen the scouting network, and raise Como’s profile internationally.
With this combination of money, ambition, and smart planning, Como are building more than just a team. They are creating a club that can compete in Serie A for years to come, attracting talent, developing youth, and establishing themselves as a regular presence in Italy’s top flight.
Look Ahead
Como 1907 are more than a surprise story. With Fabregas in charge, a talented young squad, and owners willing to invest, the club is building for the long term. Como look set to become a permenant fixture in Italy’s top flight.
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